Thanks a MILLION

Thanks to our supporters we're marking a major milestone as
Jane's legacy stands at a staggering £7.6m

The money raised has helped scores of charities from children's
hospices, cancer related causes and hospitals across the region
continue their vital work.

Before Jane's death in 2007 she had raised a total of
£1.8million through a series of incredible endurance challenges
including cycling Rome to Home, running the New York Marathon,
completing the Florida Ironman and finally the 'Ride Across
America'.

Today the family are proud to announce that the charity set up
in her name along with its event partner charities have reached
this incredible milestone.

Jane was aged 36 when, in August 2000 she and her family
received the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with
terminal breast cancer. Over the next seven years she
captured the attention of the world through her achievements as she
outlived her initial six month prognosis. With seemingly endless
reserves of determination and courage she completed incredible
challenges to raise money to help others through Jane Tomlinson
Appeal.

One of Jane's motives was to show that people with a terminal
prognosis can still lead an active and fruitful life, and
proclaimed: "Death doesn't arrive with the prognosis." She proved
true to her word and with her uncompromising drive, unwavering
determination and supreme bravery Jane provided true inspiration
and genuine hope to a great many people.

Jane and her family knew her time was limited and so in 2007
launched Run For All and the Leeds 10K, the first in a series of
events to be launched over the next few years to stand as Jane's
legacy.

Now nine years down the line, through its five 10ks, two half
marathons, marathon and junior runs Jane's charity and its event
partner charities have raised a total of £7.6million.

Jane's eldest daughter Suzanne said: "I think it's just amazing
that we've reached this figure in such a short space of time. It's
a huge amount that it is possible to do so much with. We can help
so many people who need support, whether that's dealing with an
illness, a family member who is not well, or someone going through
a bereavement.

"I think I'm most astonished at everyone's support. It's not
been us that has raised this money - it's been all the people who
have participated in the events, given donations, everyone who
works for the charity, everyone who volunteers; it's those people
who have done it.

"The goodwill and the kindness of people will never fail to
amaze me. I don't think any of the family thought we would be here,
having raised over £7m."

Of continuing her mother's legacy, she said: "It was never
really in question. To see Mum go through all of that, and still
help others; not just through raising money but also raising
awareness … For mum it was about making sure people realised that
even if they are ill, or have been diagnosed with an illness, that
you can still do the unimaginable. I think that has helped people,
just as much as raising money.

"Being able to carry on her work and being a part of that … you
get such a lot back. Seeing people cross the finish line at the
events, hearing their stories, it's just so touching.

"I think Mum would have been amazed and so pleased that all her
hard work and determination has made such an impact in so many
different ways. I think she would just have had such a big grin on
her face if she knew - I think she would find it hard to
believe.

"Mum gave so much to others, sometimes at the detriment of
herself. It's humbling that I'm a small part of that and helping to
carry it on. I suppose I feel privileged to be my mother's daughter
and that I'm helping to continue her legacy.

"We owe such a big thank you to everyone who has helped over the
years - we are just so appreciative of everything everyone has
done. It's been really hard at times, but it's because of those
people that we have carried on.